2017 December 12

Joy Out of Chaos 8 I Don’t Have to be Fixed

10 Concept 12

11 Anonymity is Spiritual

13 Rebel in the Rye

Cover illustration by Anonymous

December 2017 The Point | 1 December 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Persons requiring reasonable accommodations at Intergroup meetings, Intergroup committee meetings or service events sponsored by the preceding entities, including ASL interpreters, assistive listening devices or print materials in alternative formats, should contact Central Office at (415) 674-1821 no less than five business days prior to the event.

3 4 5 6 FIRST SUN FIRST MON FIRST WED Archives Committee Presentation Technology Committee Meeting Intergroup Meeting Early A.A. in San Quentin & Folsom Prisons Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco First Unitarian Universalist Center Mission Fellowship, 2900 24th St., San Francisco 6pm 1187 Franklin St., San Francisco 4-6pm Orientation 6:15pm Meeting 7pm

10 11 12 13 SECOND SUN SECOND MON SECOND TUE SECOND WED Golden Gate Young People in AA SF Public Information / Cooperation with the Marin H&I Marin Bridging the Gap Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco Professional Community (PI/CPC) Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael 12pm Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco Orientation 6:15pm Orientation 6pm (even months at Central Office; odd months at Speaker Workshop 6pm Business Meeting 7:00pm Business Meeting 6:30pm Marin Alano Club) Business Meeting 7pm SF General Service 1111 O’Farrell St., San Francisco New GSR Orientation / Concept Study 6:30pm Business Meeting 7:30pm 17 18 19 20 THIRD SUN THIRD MON Archives Committee Meeting Marin General Service Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco 9 Ross Valley Rd., San Rafael 2pm Orientation / Concept Study 6:45pm Business meeting followed by work day Business Meeting 7:30pm SF Teleservice Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco Orientation 6pm

24 25 26 27 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FOURTH TUE Central Office closed Marin Teleservice Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Orientation 7pm 31 Business Meeting 7:30pm

2 | The Point December 2017 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 FIRST SAT Golden Gate Young People in AA Discotheque a Go Go vol. II Soul Night at Park Gym 1960 Harrison St. San Francisco 7pm to midnight DECEMBER 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 8 9 Calendar 2 SECOND SAT Meeting Changes 4 The Point Committee Meeting Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., From the Editor 5 San Francisco 12:30pm My First Sober Christmas 6 Twelfth Step Support 7 I Don’t Have to be Fixed 8 14 15 16 Many Forms of Service 9 THIRD SAT Concept 12 10 SF H&I 2900 24th St., San Francisco Anonymity is Spiritual 11 Orientation 11am (odd months have a business meeting) If God Spoke to A.A. 12 CNCA Meeting 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma 10am Rebel in the Rye 13 Intergroup Meeting Summary 14 21 22 23 Group Contributions 16 Revenue & Expense Report 18 Treasurer’s Report 18 Balance Sheet 19 Sometimes Quickly 19

28 29 30 “How privileged we are to understand so well the divine paradox that strength rises from weakness.” ~ Bill W., 1944

December 2017 The Point | 3 Meeting Changes New Meetings: Mon 7:30pm Inner Richmond Stepping Stone, 255 10th Ave. / Clement St. Mon 7:30pm Pt. Reyes Station Esperanza y Fe, Dance Palace, 503 B St. (Spanish; 90 minutos) Fri 7:30pm Pt. Reyes Station Esperanza y Fe, Dance Palace, 503 B St. (Spanish; 90 minutos)

No Longer Meeting: Tue 7:00pm Laguna Honda Open Door Recovery, 501 Laguna Honda Blvd. / Woodside

PLEASE NOTE: We occassionally receive reports that meetings listed in our schedule are missing or no longer active. Sometimes these reports turn out to be mistaken, and sometimes not. If you know anything about a meeting that has relocated or disbanded ― even temporarily ― please call Central Office immediately: (415) 674-1821. This helps us direct newcomers, visitors and sober, local alcoholics alike to actual meetings and not to rooms that housed a meeting once upon a time. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy of our schedule!

Joe Y. ― Tuesday Beginners Sobriety Date: August 1995

4 | The Point December 2017 Joy Out of Chaos Faithful Fivers are A.A. members Who graciously pledge to contribute at least $5 Knowing its full worth and purpose, An inventory is useful: “Even if our each month toward the support of Central we can no longer fear adversity, we part is 1% and the other person’s part is Office. Faithful Fiver contributions go a have found prosperity where there 99%, we take responsibility for our 1%, was poverty, peace and joy have and then we are free.” James M. sees long way in helping make our vital services sprung out of the very midst of chaos. Concept 12 as the final word on what possible. We thank the following members:

Great, indeed are our blessings. our fellowship is about, “taking care Alan R. Don L. Laura B. ~Bill W. that [A.A.] never becomes the seat of Alejandro D. Don N. Lauren H. perilous wealth or power.” Alex R. Ed K. Lavon T. Alex L. Eileen M. Layne S. Greg F.’s father invited acquaintances Allison M. Erin S. Layne Z. without family to his house for holiday Forrest P.’s review of Rebel in the Rye Ami & Nick H. Fiona B. Lelan & Rich H. encourages readers to write the books Amy Mc. Forrest F. Leo G. dinner—almost like their own private Andy F. Forrest P. Leslie G. Alkathon. On his first sober December, they want to read, reminiscent of a Andy Z. Frederick D. Linda L. Bay Area broadcaster who used to say, Barbara M. Gabrielle J. Linda R. he repeated his dad’s 12th Step work at Barbara L. George S. Lisa Mc. a recovery house in Hollywood. Claire “If you don’t like the news, go out and Becca M George S. Lisa T. A. also found making coffee, sponsoring make some of your own.” Michael W. Ben H. Gerardo G. Liz M. Ben W. Hank B. Lucy T. people, and writing can all help support remembers his sponsor’s instructions Bharani A. Herman B. Lucy & Dennis O’C. 12th Step concepts in action. in early recovery to get a service Blu F. Hilary M. Lynn D. commitment, arrive early and go to any Brian C. James P. Mabel T. Brian & Diane C. Jane B. Mac E. Rick R. recalls when he didn’t want lengths to help others stay sober. Bruce S. Jane K. Mana F. anybody to know that he was checking Bruce K. Janelle P. Marc F. These directions work during holiday Bruce Z. Jason B. Marcus W. out A.A. He was afraid he would be Caroline A. Jeanne C. Marin Fellow- ridiculed and he wasn’t sure it would chaos, too. If we stay in the spirit of Caroline A. Jeffery K. ship service to others without expecting Cathy P. Jerry M. Marit L. work for him. Judy G. shows how we Charley D. Jim H. Mark A. don’t have to be “fixed” if we sit with anything in return, we receive peace Chip G. Joanne S. Mark O. the discomfort of life on life’s terms. and joy every time. Chris L. John B. Mary C. Chris B. John C. Mary L. Chris S. John G. Mary Christopher Mc. Julie P. Maryellen O’C. Claudia C. Karen C. Matt S. Clayton M. Karen K. Matt S. Constance C. Karla S. Michael F. Craig S. Kathleen C. Michael P. Curtis V. Kevin C. Michael W. Dan D. Kim S. Michael Z. Danielle G. Kim D. Mike M. David S. Kurt P. Mily T. David J. Kurt C. Nancy N. EDITORIAL POLICY Dianne E. Lance S. Nicholas P.

The Point is published monthly to inform A.A. members about business and meeting affairs of (Continued on Page 19) the Intercounty Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, The Point publishes original feature articles submitted by local A.A. members that reflect the full diversity of experience and If you would like to become a Faithful Fiver, please opinion found within the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. No one viewpoint or philosophy download a pledge form from our website. You dominates its pages, and in determining the editorial content, the editors rely on the principles will receive a complimentary subscription to of the Twelve Traditions. The Point. And remember, individual This statement is a summary; for the full editorial policy, please go to www.aasf.org. contributions are 100% tax deductible! To contact The Point committee directly, write to [email protected].

December 2017 The Point | 5 My First Sober Christmas I used to call in sick on Christmas Day

by Gregory F. invited to my home for dinner, carols Wood crackled. We drank apple cider and Midnight Mass if you’d like.” and eggnog. There was a strong cin- I love this time of year. I feel as if I’m namon scent in the air with palpable smiling from deep within. It was so He loved putting this on. He’d start love. Precious moments in time when much better than my last drunken preparing days in advance. There was each of us was present. Sober together, holiday when I missed my family’s ac- much to be done and my parents and thus a success. Fighting for our lives— tivities. I called in “sick” on Christmas I collectively prepared our home. I did together. Day. I told mom I was ill. This was not not quite grasp the kindness of this act. far from the truth. At 9:00 A.M. I was Now I understand it’s typical of who We’d caravan to an still in the bar from the night before. we are as sober caring individuals. We A.A. meeting Good times—not! show up for each other. The camarade- rie and unconditional love was bounti- We’d all share. A beautiful evening. My sobriety date is June 1, so my ful. I still recall people’s faces. Eyes Life changing experience, fond memo- first round of sober holidays (starting beaming, full of love and gratitude. All ries forged. with Thanksgiving) I had five to six were equal at this banquet. months. I was excited as the season To be together with my fellows, after approached. The ads would start: TV, As I reflect to write this piece, it seems having seen those less fortunate. Real- radio, billboards, and print. All was fitting my own first Christmas Eve was izing how lucky I was. We were. transformed to usher in this special spent similarly. I took part in a tradi- time of year. The child came bursting tion of a recovery house in Hollywood. What a difference compared to those forth. Each Christmas Eve, we’d all caravan blurry God forsaken drunken holidays to an A.A. meeting in downtown Los of my past. This was me experiencing Decorated lights twinkling, decora- Angeles and “Skid Row.” Back then my new life. A newborn finding incred- tions, tree ornaments, mistletoe, holi- this is where you’d find many alcohol- ible meaning in the simplest of ways. day bells, holly and mistletoe. Heck, ics on the streets. even the Salvation Army bell ringers As the Holiday Season approaches, I appealed to me. I only remembered We would attend an A.A. meeting. I hope regardless of how or what you happy times of Christmas past. They can picture the room in my mind’s celebrate, that you feel the gratitude in burst forth vividly in my imagination. eye. It was a storefront, bright God- your heart that I do in mine. Alive with a myriad of colors as if on awful light. There was food, coffee and I am loved. I love. I am not alone, a large screen. Fortunately, I have no sweets. I imagine for some, this was I’m a part of. We are all one. Happy bad childhood memories associated their meal. John Barleycorn brought Holidays! with Christmas. us to our individual knees. God’s grace and A.A. picked us up together to share I can picture the room in this moment. We were not outsiders. my mind’s eye We were them and they us. My dad was sober. He was also violent, After the meeting, we’d go back to the angry, uncomfortable and suicidal. He house. We gathered in the living room did, however, have a lovely Holiday tra- on couches, chairs, or on the floor. dition. He an excellent A.A. member. We’d all fit somehow. We would then He had to be. A.A. was the only thing hold a gratitude meeting on Christmas that helped him. It kept him sober, Eve. How special! The room’s light alive and feeling useful. Dad’s tradition came from the fire. The glow reminded was this: “If you have no family, or any- me of Tinker Bell’s radiance. Its danc- where to go on Christmas Eve, you’re ing light shone upon our faces.

6 | The Point December 2017 Twelfth Step Support Right attitudes and action = good living by Claire A. Somewhere along the way, I saw a Then what is up with the two dollars, copy of this newsletter, The Point, and why the miserly attitude? I think I’m just going to take a moment to ’fess loved the idea of writing for it. More perhaps it’s a competitive thing—that up that every time the basket comes ego deflation!—unbelievably—I am not I don’t want to give more than others around to me, it’s a way for me to becoming famous or rich by writing or that I want to give the most of practice letting go of a character defect for The Point. At least, not in the anybody. I’m sure it’s also that I don’t of mine: greed. I have enough money to traditional sense: occasionally a buddy see (because I don’t go look) how the put two dollars in the basket as it goes of mine will say they got something dollars help at A.A.’s Central Office by and yet my miserly-self often balks. out of an article I wrote, and then I or for the Hospital and Institution feel rich and famous! Through writing committee (H&I). I know the dollars You’d think it would be different, and down my ESH, I’ve been forced to see help, but I don’t see the concrete maybe someday it will be. Goodness how I want to lie all the time (not big work of it. knows, other things about me have lies, but small omissions, half-truths). changed since I came in to A.A. When Writing for A.A. compels me to tell the In this forum, I feel that the I first came in, my sponsor told me truth, and in this forum, I feel that the to get a coffee commitment, and truth is truly acceptable truth is truly acceptable. sweep the floors at the end of the I guess maybe it has taken being meetings. When I did that, I noticed I am responsible when assigned to writing this article that that that simple job taught me a ton. someone reaches out has made me really look at the I learned how shitty I was at working connection between my basket with others, following directions, and for A.A. contributions and Twelfth Step work. keeping it simple. I resented being I feel my contribution is told how to make the coffee, I didn’t tiny, and that can lead to want to share the glory (!) of having “what’s the point”? But, I made the coffee and I was sure there have been lucky enough must be a better way to do it—one to serve as a treasurer for that all the other coffeemakers before several different meetings, me hadn’t thought of. So, six months and to see how those of making coffee wore a lot of my contributions add up. In the rough edges off. I learned to relax, same way that making the listen, cooperate and not take every coffee helps, sponsoring twitch personally. people helps, writing for The Point helps, my After I worked the Steps, my sponsor contribution helps. At a bare told me to get a sponsee. It was minimum, it helps me. I am another ego-deflating exercise. I responsible. When someone was simultaneously sure that I knew reaches out for A.A., I want everything, and aware that I knew it to be there for them in nothing. My sponsees quickly taught the same way it was for me. me that I need to stay close to the Contributing to A.A. is one program, and offer my Experience, more estimable act that I do Strength and Hope (ESH), and in A.A. that’s all—no advice, no judgement, no opinions. They showed me the importance of keeping it simple.

December 2017 The Point | 7 I Don’t Have to be Fixed Gratitude leaves no room for negativity and self-doubt by Judy G. So what do we do when we act, as the We have a disease of the mind, body Buddhists say, in an unskilled man- and spirit (notice which comes first) One of the most powerful things I have ner? We follow the steps that have for which there is no cure. A.A. is the heard in program is, “We learn how to been laid out for us to follow. We take medicine for this disease. There may sit with the discomfort.” It was one of Step Ten, and promptly admit when not be a cure, but we do learn over those lightbulb moments of recovery, we are wrong. We take Step Nine, and time that change is possible. We see which will remain with me forever. make amends for our misdeeds. Then people come through the doors of A.A. we let it go. broken and desperate, and we see We drank to mask the discomfort, to them transform before our eyes. feel like we belonged, to dull the pain In A.A., we learn to live in today; of childhood trauma. As Lila R. says, yesterday is history—gone. There is no Acceptance that we “We drank to make life tolerable.” point in dwelling on the mistakes we are not perfect made. Once we have taken responsibil- Somewhere along the way, our social ity for our part, no matter how small, We learn to stop lying to our friends lubricant stopped working for us, we we can let it go and move on. Even if and families, to show up at our hit our own personal bottom and we our part is 1% and the other person’s jobs and become workers among decided to get sober with the help of part is 99%, we take responsibility for workers. We learn to be right-sized Alcoholics Anonymous. But what hap- our 1%, and then we are free. emotionally—not too big, not too pens when we stop drinking? All those small. That is true feelings we were trying to mask bub- humility. bled up right there onto the surface. We learn to live in grati- Stopping drinking is not the end of tude. A grateful heart does the journey; it is the beginning. After not drink. If you fill up we admit that we are powerless over your brain with gratitude, alcohol, we turn to a power greater there is no room for all than ourselves to help us get sober. the negativity and self- Then we get to Step Four, the search- doubt. A fellow told me ing and fearless inventory of our that when she first came character defects. into recovery, she told her A.A. is the medicine sponsor she didn’t have anything to be grateful for. for this disease Her sponsor said, “Do you As it says in the big book, we are not have all your fingers and saints. We all have character defects, toes?” but it is the process of looking at them, Most importantly, we learn to sit with writing them down, sharing them Another important concept of 12- the discomfort. We are imperfect with another human being that sets us Step recovery is acceptance; ac- beings in an imperfect world (there’s apart, in my opinion, from people who ceptance that we are not perfect; always something to drink over). are not in recovery. We are searching acceptance that we have the disease Today we accept that we don’t have to for a better way to live, in a healthy of alcoholism; acceptance that if we be fixed—we just have to talk about it. body, with emotional sobriety, and want to remain sober, both physical- Get it up and out, and go do some ser- following a spiritual path of our own ly and emotionally, we have to keep vice for another A.A. fellow. It’s what understanding. coming to meetings. keeps us sober.

8 | The Point December 2017 Many Forms of Service The gift that keeps on giving

by Michael W. Recovery and Service are a journey; I began to think about they are also an adventure. It is truly Over the years in recovery, I’ve been my early recovery and an honor to be of service in A.A., fortunate to be guided by the program whether a greeter, coffee maker, and my sponsors to “do service.” how truly grateful Treasurer, Teleservice, H&I, Secretary, “Service” introduced a new concept I felt to be sober Literature, Chair and Sponsor. Frankly, to me; it is the act of doing something Luckily, as I was told, “Leave your just showing up at a meeting is service to help others and not expecting ego at the door,” I shut my mouth and to others. But wait, service is so much anything in return. Service is also commenced on my new chores. As I more... deeply embedded in the A.A. Twelve was making coffee that night, I began Steps—especially Step 12—and in the Service is deeply to think about my early recovery and Twelve Traditions. My understanding how truly grateful I felt to be sober on embedded in A.A. of service has greatly expanded across this particular Tuesday night. It had the years of recovery; service is the key Service can expand to include taken me two years to get the Second to spiritual growth and joy. interaction with friends, family, Step. Those two years were living hell colleagues, the community and and terror—there wasn’t anything I Leave your ego at the door society at large. With long-term wouldn’t do to stay sober. After three sobriety, one might feel big rewards months of service, I couldn’t wait to When I started in A.A., my sponsor by helping with charities, nonprofits, get there; in fact, I looked forward to it told me to get a service commitment, schools and events. In fact, even all week. Tuesday Downtown speakers arrive early and go to any length to small actions can be service. Helping had long-term recovery, I began to help others stay sober. My service someone cross the street; letting a car see my ineptitude of humility and a experience started with “Tuesday turn into your lane, offering to bring pattern of my life focused around self- Downtown.” I arrived early as over food to a friend who is sick or centeredness. requested, then a nice person came taking care of a loved one. over to me and said that I could make coffee, clean the ash trays (yes, Any action that is about helping others smoking meetings were still around) is service. And, if you act without and go help setup the chairs. I still expecting reciprocity, what you remember thinking this exact sentence, receive is joy and spiritual growth, “Excuse me, but I don’t do coffee, every time. clean up messes and set up chairs. Perhaps with my professional pedigree, I will consider being the secretary.”

December 2017 The Point | 9 Concept 12 What our Fellowship is about

by Jamie M. Many A.A. members never get When we look at the Twelfth Concept exposed to the Concepts. I was and its component parts, we feel echoes A.A. is full of gems that we rarely take blessed to participate in General of all the steps and all the traditions. We time to appreciate. Consider Concept Service for a number of years, and are reminded of service, anonymity— 12: “The Conference shall observe the I encourage everyone to do this even taking inventory and continuing spirit of A.A. tradition, taking care that form of service. When we engage in to take inventory—and especially the it never becomes the seat of perilous General Service we get many unique First Tradition. While each member of wealth or power; that sufficient opportunities to work on humility and A.A. may be “but a small part of a great operating funds and reserve be its service to others, and as the Twelfth whole,” we refuse to sacrifice even the prudent financial principle; that it Step suggests we “practice these smallest part—any individual member— place none of its members in a position principles in all our affairs.” General for some idea of a “greater good” that of unqualified authority over others; Service is a special arena in which doesn’t include every member. No that it reach all important decisions we have an opportunity to practice action can ever be personally punitive by discussion, vote, and whenever in some ultimately very important (Warranty Five). No one in A.A. is ever possible, substantial unanimity; affairs—the survival and continuity in charge of anyone else, and A.A., as that its actions never be personally of A.A. worldwide. The Twelfth represented by some subset of the punitive nor an incitement to public Concept is frequently considered members, however representative it controversy; that it never perform to be divided into six warrantees. might be, cannot punish. acts of government; that, like the My favorite is the third one: “That Society it serves, it will always remain it [the conference] place none of its There’s no way to get democratic in thought and action” members in a position of unqualified kicked out of A.A. (Twelve Concepts for World Service). authority over others…” The Third Concept echoes our Second Tradition, Many A.A. members “For our group purpose, there is but I remember when, in early sobriety, never see the Concepts one ultimate authority, a loving God I realized there was no provision for as he may express himself in our getting kicked out of A.A. I was filled In a sense, this is the final word on what group conscience. Our leaders are but with a kind of panic. My M.O. for our Fellowship is about. We start with trusted servants; they do not govern.” getting out of things until then was to Step One, where we admitted we were screw up and get fired, get “86’d,” or powerless over alcohol and our lives otherwise have other people make me were unmanageable—in a sense, this go away. Our fellowship has explicitly is a very personal, solitary and inward stated that this cannot happen here. thing. At least it was for me. Then we And for that, I am grateful. Happy start on the journey of the Steps, and Holidays, everyone. somewhere along the way we learn about the Traditions. Some say the The Twelve Concepts for World Service Traditions are to the group as the Steps were written by A.A.’s co-founder Bill are to the individual. I’m not sure that’s W., and were adopted by the General the whole story; I feel that knowing and Service Conference of Alcoholics following the Traditions has helped me Anonymous in 1962. The Concepts stay sober. By the time we start working are an interpretation of A.A.’s world the Concepts we are part of a greater service structure as it emerged whole, and intimately involved with the through A.A.’s early history and Fellowship. There is always room for experience (see https://www.aa.org/ new growth and depth in A.A. assets/en_US/smf-114_en.pdf).

10 | The Point December 2017 Anonymity is Spiritual Do it quietly

by Rick R. be a representative of A.A. in case that person My family was riddled with alcoholic relapses, which often drinkers. Many of them were as bad as happens. Tradition 12 me. I recall the first month I got sober, talks of anonymity as still hanging out with them at our “the spiritual founda- favorite watering hole drinking ginger tion of all of our tradi- ale. I would slip out every night at 8:00 tions, ever reminding P.M., go to the A.A. meeting at 8:30, us to place principles then return at 10:30 without telling before personalities.” anyone. I didn’t want anybody to know There is a difference that I was checking out A.A. I didn’t in the spirit of the law want to be ridiculed (I wasn’t sure it and the letter of the was going to work for me). You might law. We who have been say I was protecting my anonymity at diligent with the pro- the time. After 30 days, I didn’t care gram have been highly who knew because I believed I had influenced by the spirit found the answer. of what the founders I didn’t want to introduced us to: the 12 Steps and 12 Tradi- be ridiculed tions. They all point to unselfishness of the Soon I wanted to shout it from the spirit. I have yet to find rooftops and try to sober up everyone a prayer or principle in around me. You know how that turned the two books that we out. I dragged each of my five broth- use as reference guides ers to meetings. They each learned of a material nature or just enough to be able to rationalize of selfish motives. The exactly why they were not alcoholics, things I do as the result and they ridiculed me anyway. Two tion. Yet as we get more experience of practicing the prin- later died of alcohol-related illness. A we learn the true value of the spirit of ciples of the program should be done third committed suicide. anonymity. We can always come up unselfishly andwithout fanfare. I began to respect the principle of ano- with some noble reason for tooting our I wanted to shout it nymity. Of the rest of my immediate own horn and dress it up in the altru- family, only one sister saw something istic motive of sacrificing one’s own from the rooftops in me that she liked. She got sober in anonymity to save someone’s life. That As long as I needed the attention that the program and hasn’t had a drink in can sometimes destroy our chances I was seeking while looking for every over 45 years. of being a good example. I have been witness to that. “photo op,” I was still only following Newer members often complain about the letter of the law. When I came to someone breaking their anonymity, Tradition 11 exemplifies the need understand the spirit of anonymity or the ones that want to shout it from for personal anonymity at the level I was able to rein in my ego and my the rooftops, like my former self. That of press, radio and films. We could selfish motives. I try to be a good role is one of the symptoms of alcoholism: extrapolate and add much of the social model and do it quietly. It seems to We are failed idealists that need atten- media of today. No one should try to work better that way.

December 2017 The Point | 11 If God Spoke to A.A. He might have said... by Anonymous success attends your efforts, not to only your willingness to turn your life ascribe to personal superiority, that to and will over to My keeping, that relief “Into your weak and feeble hands I which you can lay claim only by virtue came to you. have entrusted the Power beyond of My Gift. If I had wanted learned men your estimate. To you has been to accomplish this mission, the Power Think not, that because you have been given that which has been denied the would be entrusted to the physician dry one year or two years, or ten years, most learned of your fellows. Not to and scientist. If I had wanted eloquent that it is the result of your unaided scientists or diplomats, not to wives orators, there would have been many efforts. The help, which has been or mothers, not even to my priests anxious for the assignment—for talk is keeping you “normal,” will keep you and ministers have I given this gift the easiest used of all the talents, with so—just as long as you live the program of healing other alcoholics, which I which I have endowed humankind. If that I have mapped out for you. entrust to you. Use it unselfishly; it I wanted scholarly men, the world is Be humbly alert to the carries with it a grave responsibility. filled with better qualified than you No day can be too long, no demands who would have been available. cries of distress…from the upon your time can be too urgent, no case too pitiable, no task too hard, no No, you were carefully chosen because lonely hearts of alcoholics effort too great. you have been available. You were selected because you have been Beware of the pride that comes from I shall not exact of you outcasts of the world, as your long growth, the power of numbers and beyond your capabilities experience as a drunkard has made invidious comparisons between you (or should make) humbly alert yourselves, or your organization with Use this healing Power with to the cries of distress that come other organizations whose success tolerance, for I have restricted its from the lonely hearts of alcoholics depends on numbers, money and application to no race, no creed and everywhere. Keep ever in mind the position. These material things are no denomination. Personal criticism admission that you made on the day not part of your creed. The success you must expect; lack of appreciation of your profession of A.A.—namely, of material organizations comes from will be common, ridicule will be your that you are powerless, and that it was pooling of joint assets—yours from lot—your motives the union of mutual will be misjudged. liabilities. The appeal Success will not always for membership in attend your efforts in more materialistic the work with other organizations is the alcoholics. Be prepared boastful recital of their for adversity, for what accomplishments; people call adversity yours is on the humble are the rungs you admission of weakness must use to ascend the ladder toward spiritual The wealth of material perfection. I shall not organizations, when exact of you beyond they take an inventory, your capabilities. is measured by what they have left; yours, You were not selected when you take moral because of your inventory, by what you exceptional talents. have given.” Be careful always if

12 | The Point December 2017 Rebel in the Rye Express what’s in your heart by Forrest P. of inventory writing. It dawned on me: Of course I write—I’ve This film opens in a men’s mental been doing it more than half my ward in the European hospital life. Before the inventories, I used where Salinger committed himself self-reflection and examination to after World War II. All are smoking. become a better me. My inventories Our protagonist is trying to write. and darkness have become my He stares at a blank page and grips gold. a worn-down Ticonderoga Number 2 pencil. The more I write, the easier it becomes to weave experiences Salinger tells the story of his into story. I enjoy it tremendously younger self. He takes a Columbia and others seem to enjoy reading writing course taught by Whit it. It’s just a hobby for me, but who Burnett, who encourages him. knows what can happen? Anything Whit “gets” Salinger. He sees the is possible, just like I was told young man’s potential to become by older, wiser folks when I was a great writer. Salinger listens to a newcomer. Here I am simply what Whit says about learning to staying sober one day at a time and be a writer versus actually being doing the work from the inside out. one. Why do you want to write, Mr. Salinger? “Because I’m angry, Turn your voice and when I write I feel like I’m into a narrative doing something about my anger, and what bothers me.” Do you I want my writing to be truthful (to write to show off your talent, or me as the writer). Writing is the express what’s in your heart? Whit and colors, oh my! Soft feminine time I have the most peace. tells Salinger to give his character styles for women. Hair and makeup If you would also like to tell your story Holden Caulfield an entire book (which impeccable with gloves and high heels. I have some suggestions. Be “in the became The Catcher in the Rye). When Men’s masculinity with clean cut, All- service” of the story. Your voice makes Salinger is drafted, Whit challenges American looks, billowing over in blue- the story unique, but keep the ego out him to stay alive and continue to write collar laborer clothes or fitted shirts, of writing to connect to the reader. while on active duty. hats and sports coats. The film uses Don’t over explain. If distractions blue tints which seem to separate dark Imagine what you would keep you from writing, remove the from light and joy from pain. want to read distractions. My conclusions: Salinger is a loner who is close to Regardless of whether this film is • Nothing is more sacred than our his mother, with a sister he could stories. fact or fiction, I enjoyed it as both care less about and a father who an avid movie lover and fledgling misunderstands him. His thoughts are • Fiction can be “truer” than reality. writer. I love films which take place loud, occupy most of his time, and in the 1930’s where sets themselves • Writers learn to deal with must get out onto paper. I can relate to rejection. are characters. The abundance of needing to turn my ideas into stories. natural, beautifully-finished wood is so I’m fortunate because I’ve always had • Imagine the book you as the writer luxurious it beckons one to gaze at it stories to share. Recently I’ve been would want to read, and go write it. as if it’s a Picasso. Wood, and fashion going through storage and found tons

December 2017 The Point | 13 Intergroup Meeting Summary: November 2017 The following groups have registered Intergroup Representatives who attended the last Intergroup meeting. If your meeting was not represented, please elect an Intergroup Representative (IGR) and/or an alternate so your meeting is represented.

Marin Groups Quitting Time San Francisco Groups Cow Hollow Young People Sometimes Slowly Inverness Sunday Serenity Rise N Shine Beginners Warmup Each Day a New Beginning Sunset 9'ers Men's Two Plus Mill Valley LGBTQ All Are Welcome Blue Book Special Girls Gone Mild Sunset Speaker Step Mill Valley 7am Thursday Night Chip Castro Discussion Join the Tribe Too Early Monday Blues Women's Big Book Cocktail Hour Lunch with Bill Valencia Smokefree Monday Night Stag Tiburon Cocoanuts Reality Farm Waterfront On Awakening Come 'n Get It! Serenity Seekers

This is an unofficial summary of the and working with Alix. Remember: Intergroup Committee/Activity Reports November 2017 Intergroup meeting November is Gratitude Month. A.A. provided for convenience; it is not Resources: GSO website, archives, The Point, Jane B. Need new intended to be the completed approved Grapevine subscription ($50/year) committee members, particularly folks minutes. For a complete copy of the with editing skills and needs a new minutes and full committee reports see Treasurer, Alix F. September overall secretary to take minutes at monthly “Intergroup” on our website www.aasf.org. rating is Excellent. Total revenue meeting. Meets 2nd Saturday of the was under budget. Total operating month at 12:30pm. Our intergroup exists to support the expenses were over budget, continuing groups in their common purpose of a trend over the past few months. Fellowship, Michael P. Mark carrying the A.A. message to the still Unrestricted cash is over 3 months your calendars for June 9, 2018 for suffering alcoholic by providing and of operating expenses. Group and Founders Day. Do we think folks coordinating services that are difficult individual contributions for September would attend a “fancy” dinner similar for the individual groups to execute. were both under budget. Our budget is to the Annual Bill’s Dinner put on by partially built around Gratitude Month, the New York Intergroup? Creation of The Intercounty Fellowship has been so it’s important that we hit our goals new Outreach committee that acts as organized by, and is responsible to, the for November. an umbrella for SOS, Sunshine Club, member groups in San Francisco and Trusted Servants, Fellowship and Marin for the purpose of coordinating Central Office Manager, Maury P. Have Orientation committees. the services that individual groups some open phone shifts at Central cannot provide. Office. Central Office will be closed Technology, James O. (not for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. If in attendance) Many IG reps The meeting was held on Wednesday, your meeting is going to be affected acknowledged that they shared the November 1, 2017 at 101 Donahue by the holidays or if your meeting idea of electronic contributions with Street in Marin City. is going to host a fellowship event their groups. for the holidays, please let Central The meeting was started with a call to Archives – Kim S. (not in Office know ASAP so they can update order and the Serenity Prayer. Baskets attendance) Next history meeting is the website/The Buzz/The Point and for rent and dinner were passed. planned for December 2017. Committee let Teleservice folks know. Used The October 2017 minutes and the meets 3rd Sunday of the month. literature was delivered to Sonoma November 2017 agenda were approved. Central Office for fire relief. Reiterated Liaison Reports Standing Reports Treasurer’s report and acknowledged YTD we’re still in a good spot. H&I Marin General Service, District 10, Board Chair, Liz M. The CNCA previously had an excess of funds Jacqueline P. Saturday, November 2030 bid is pending and we need to and now they are in a negative cash 4, is General Service Assembly in get 4000 volunteers committed. Unity flow, so we are spreading the word Petaluma. October District Meeting got Day was successful. The Quarterly to continue passing the pink can at through several topics on how to reach Committee Meeting was held where meetings. folks in A.A. Next meeting is Monday, committees are assessing their budgets October 20 in San Rafael.

14 | The Point December 2017 Individual Contributions COMMITTEE CONTACTS to Central Office were made through November 15, 2017 honoring the following members: The following is a list of names and email addresses for our Intergroup IN MEMORIUM Officers and many of the committees. Bob C. ― Hilldwellers, Marin PI/CPC Please email that committee at the Joe Y. ― Tuesday Beginners address below if you are interested in doing service on a committee, or if you ANNIVERSARIES wish to receive more information.

Shirley K. ― 49 years BOARD OFFICERS: Marin Intergroup 2020, Pat Did Looking for other folks who can share CHAIR Liz M. [email protected] surveys at Unity Day and showed heavily their experience, strength and hope after in favor of researching the idea of a Marin dealing with a fire. VICE CHAIR Intergroup in 2020 and having a way to John R. [email protected] sell literature in Marin rather than just in Dustin He asked about the Marin Intergroup website. It was confirmed that TREASURER San Francisco. Anyone with experience Alix F. [email protected] at an A.A. bookstore can be of help to only one person maintains that site and it the Marin group as they look to start is not an official Intergroup website. RECORDING SECRETARY selling literature before 2020. Contact Carolyn R. [email protected] Discussion items Pat if you’re interested in being added to the email list. There is some concern Review how to get items on Intergroup about the accuracy of the unofficial Marin agenda and the voting procedures. COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Intergroup website. There were several Excerpt from NAATW presentation ARCHIVES COMMITTEE ideas on how this group can continue and on voting procedures and clarity on Kim S. [email protected] improve their research. Robert’s Rules of Order. Next month FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE we will re-visit this topic with a mock Marin Teleservice, Adam Adam is Michael P. [email protected] voting item. We will go through a the new liaison for Marin Teleservice. motion made, decision on voting ORIENTATION COMMITTEE They are about to refresh the contact method, vote, minority opinion, census Greg M. [email protected] list. Anyone interested can talk to if anybody wants to change vote. Adam or attend the monthly meeting. SF PI/CPC COMMITTEE November is Gratitude Month. There [open] [email protected] Remind Teleservice reps to attend the are open coordinator positions for SF monthly meeting. SF TELESERVICE COMMITTEE PI/CPC. Layne Z. [email protected] Marin H&I, Karen G. There were 10 What’s On Your Mind new members at last month’s meeting. SUNSHINE CLUB COMMITTEE Carole P. [email protected] Facing financial issues and concerned Alan shared that even though we are about H&I reps not attending the always looking for more participation TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE monthly meetings. Looking for a across San Francisco and Marin, we’re still James O. [email protected] secretary and more new reps. getting more participation than we used to. THE POINT COMMITTEE Jane B. [email protected] IGR Reports Adjourn with Responsibility Statement

Alison Shared that her house burned Next Intergroup Meeting: down in August in San Francisco, so she Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at was thinking about going up to meetings 7pm at 1187 Franklin Street in San in Sonoma/Napa/other affected areas to Francisco. Orientation is at 6:15pm, share her experience, strength and hope. dinner is served at 7pm.

December 2017 The Point | 15 group contributions aaFellowship Contributions Oct. 17 YTD Marin Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD Marin Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD Contribution Box $24.74 $411.69 Marin Teleservice $600.00 $3,800.00 Wednesday Sundowners W 6pm $769.00

DeerPark Discovery Group $86.50 Marin Young People F 830pm $247.50 What's It All About F 12pm $34.10

GGYPAA $23.00 $109.06 Men's 2 Plus M 7pm $239.91 Wholly Together 11th Step Meditation W 7p $122.50

Intercounty Fellowship of A.A. $42.00 Mill Valley 7D 7am $600.00 Why It Works Sun 6pm $114.50

Intergroup $422.00 Mill Valley Discussion W 830pm $166.38 $196.87 Women's 12 x 12 Fri 1030am $100.00

Northern Califonia H and I Committee $4,481.11 Monday Night Stag Tiburon $1,500.00 Women's Big Book Tu 1030am $551.54

Sobriety By The Bay $2,170.00 Monday Night Women's M 8pm $246.44 Women's Lunch Bunch F 12pm $493.00

I Am Responsible $100.00 Monday Nooners M 12pm $265.34 $1,640.95 Women's Meeting Su 430pm $220.00

Fellowship Total $47.74 $7,822.36 Morning After Sa 10am $775.00 Working Dogs W 12pm $660.78

Morning Attitude Adjustment M-F 7am Sa 8 $538.53 Marin Total $6,536.50 $48,302.35

Marin Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD Noon Hope $137.00

12 & 12 Study Sa 815am $182.00 Noon Reveille Su 12pm $49.00 San Francisco Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD

7AM Group 7D 7am $582.00 Noon Tu 12pm $25.00 11th Step Power Power Power $154.70

7am Urgent Care Group 7D 7am $50.00 North Marin Speaker Sun 12pm $759.23 20+ Sun 445pm (unlisted) $162.96

A Vision for You (Fairfax) Su 730pm $304.70 Not a Glum Lot Group F 8pm $84.00 515 Smokeless M 515pm $114.00

AA By The Bay Tue 730pm $110.00 Novato Fellowship Group $113.83 6am Dry Dock 7D $131.40

Attitude Adjustment 7D 7am $632.29 $3,963.00 Novato Spirit Discussion F 2pm $15.00 6am Dry Dock Fri $81.00

Awakenings Sat 830a $83.90 On Awakening 7D 530am $350.00 $2,100.00 6am Dry Dock Sa $69.00

Back to Basics Su 930am $120.00 $363.00 Pathfinders Tu 12pm $300.00 6am Dry Dock Su $164.00

Beginner's Help Th 8pm $25.00 Quitting Time M-F 530pm $669.72 $3,465.83 6am Dry Dock Th $250.00

Big Book Study & Meditiation M 7p $142.80 Reveille 7D 7am $601.78 6am Dry Dock Tu $197.00

Blue Book Special Su 11am $20.10 Rise N Shine Su 10am $900.00 6am Dry Dock W $200.00

Candlelight Sun 830pm $502.95 $502.95 San Anselmo Fireside Meeting Sun 8pm $83.30 A is for Alcohol Tu 6pm $422.05

Closed Women's Step Study Tu 330pm $226.95 San Geronimo Valley Book Study F 8pm $250.00 A New Start F 830pm $970.43

Corte Madera Saturday Candlelight 8pm $709.14 San Geronimo Valley M 8pm $32.00 $122.00 AA As You Like It Tu 530pm $354.96

Cover to Cover W 730pm $294.50 Saturday Women's Speaker Sa 6pm $278.22 Afro American Beginners Sat 8pm $488.40

Crossroads Sun 12pm $141.20 $1,098.14 Serendipity Sa 11am $212.65 Agnostics & Freethinkers Su 630pm $423.00

Day at a Time 7D 630am $600.00 $1,100.00 Sisters In Sobriety Th 730pm (Marin) $53.66 All Together Now Th 8pm $40.01

Experience, Strength & Hope(Marin) Sa 6pm $60.00 Six O'Clock Sunset Th 6pm $200.00 $450.51 Amazing Grace M 7pm $60.00

Freedom Finders F 830pm $320.50 Sober Sisters W 12pm $101.00 Artists & Writers F 630pm $865.46

Friday Night Book F 830pm $574.11 $574.11 Spiritual Testosterone Stag Su 830a $695.00 As Bill Sees It Th 6pm $707.62

Glum Not! Su 9am $200.00 Step 11 Gong Meditation Thu 530pm $150.15 As Bill Sees It Th 830pm $134.71

Gratitude Tu 8pm $400.00 Steps to Freedom M 730pm $94.00 Ass in a Bag Th 830pm $368.03

Happy Destiny F 7pm $200.00 Stinson Beach Fellowship Th 8pm $494.50 Back to Basics W 8pm $277.87

Happy Hour (Marin) Th 6pm $60.00 Sunday Express Su 6pm $206.21 Be Still AA Su 12pm $891.57

Happy, Joyous & Free 5D 12pm $869.05 Sunday Friendship Su 6pm $417.00 Beginners Speaker Discussion F 7pm $65.03 $209.17

High & Dry W 12pm $62.00 T.G.I. Tuesday 6pm $60.00 Beginners' Step Study Sat 7pm $15.00

Intimate Feelings Sa 10am $605.43 Terra Linda Thursday Men's Stag Th 8pm $975.38 Beginners Warm Up W 6pm $88.10

Inverness Sunday Serenity Su 10am $313.20 The Barnyard Group Sa 4pm $77.10 $311.74 Bernal Big Book Sat 5pm $529.46

It's All About The Book $400.00 $400.00 There is a Solution Tu 6pm $70.50 Bernal New Day 7D $179.56 $2,064.34

Just Can't Wait 'til 8 M 630pm $180.00 Three Step Group Sa 530pm $603.28 Big Book Basics F 8pm $43.69 $719.99

Keep Coming Back Sa 10am $433.80 Thursday Night Speaker 830pm $1,192.75 Big Book Beginners F 105pm $100.00

Keep It Simple Sister Thu 7pm $160.00 Tiburon Beginners & Closed Tu 7pm & 830pm $188.28 Big Book Study Su 1130am $317.90

Larkspur Beginners F 7pm $128.00 $128.00 Tiburon Women's Candlelight W 8pm $322.47 Blue Book Special Su 11am $34.94 $308.75

Larkspur Haven Su 12p $231.00 Tuesday Beginners' Meeting $219.66 $1,100.81 Buena Vista Breakfast Su 12pm $60.00

Larkspur Step W 830pm $222.28 Tuesday Big Book Study Tu 6pm $259.00 By the Book Sa 10am $36.00

Last Stop Men's Step Study W 6pm $500.00 $500.00 Tuesday Big Book Tu 830pm $50.00 Came to Believe Su 8am $468.56

Living Sober Ladies Thu 10am $312.00 Tuesday Chip Meeting Tu 830pm $793.10 Came to Park Sat 7pm $835.00

Living Sober M 6pm $35.00 We, Us and Ours M 650pm $107.75 $456.00 Castro Monday Big Book M 830pm $299.35

Los Ranchitos W 830pm $50.00 $100.00 Wednesday Mid-Week W 6pm $60.00 Castro Steps & Traditions W 8pm $91.50

Marin City Groups 6D 630pm $200.00 $400.00 Wednesday Night Candlelight (Marin) W 8pm $325.00 Coit's Quitters $300.00

16 | The Point December 2017 group contributions aaSan Francisco Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD San Francisco Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD San Francisco Group Contributions Oct. 17 YTD Cow Hollow Men's Group W 8pm $3,087.71 Mission Fellowship $88.69 Sundown W 7pm $792.02

Design For Living - Big Book Th 730am $181.80 Monday Beginners M 8pm $864.18 Sunrise Sunset Women's Step Th 6pm $690.00

Design for Living Sat 8am $760.46 Monday Men's Stag (SF) M 8pm $338.30 Sunset 11'ers Sa $316.73

Dignitaries Sympathy W 815pm $180.00 Monday Monday M 1215pm $99.92 Sunset 11'ers Su $520.00

Each Day a New Beginning F 7am $778.81 $3,148.95 Monday Night Madness M 6pm $202.10 Sunset 11'ers Th $85.50

Each Day a New Beginning M 7am $556.50 New Friday Big Book F 12pm $125.00 Sunset 11'ers Tu $93.00

Each Day A New Beginning Su 8am $175.13 $884.80 Noon Smokeless Th 12pm $125.00 Sunset 11'ers W $10.00

Each Day a New Beginning Th 7am $623.11 Noon Smokeless W 12pm $132.00 Sunset 9'ers Th $50.00

Each Day a New Beginning Tu 7am $408.45 $1,532.23 O.A.D.W. Mon 7pm $87.66 Sunset Speaker Step Su 730pm $579.80

Each Day a New Beginning W 7am $467.40 $1,826.25 Ocean of Sobriety W 830p $369.00 Surf Tu 8pm $1,346.85

Early Start F 6pm $1,990.24 One, Two, Three, Go! W 1pm $20.00 Ten Years After Su 6pm $833.58

Embarcadero Group 5D 1210pm $240.00 Panhandle Th 830pm $117.00 The 4th Dimension Sa 630pm $124.68

Epiphany Group Th 7pm $226.00 $479.00 Park Presidio M 830pm $106.50 The Drive Thru W 1215pm $1,298.68

Eureka Step Tu 6pm $238.09 Parkside Th 8pm $633.00 The Dry Dock Fellowship $207.89

Eureka Valley Topic M 6pm $1,557.63 Pax West Group 5D $4,327.09 The Leaky Cauldron Su 930am $555.60

Excelsior "Scent" Free For All Sa 5pm $60.00 $270.00 Pocket Aces Sun 7pm $101.28 The Parent Trap 2 W 4pm $149.00

Experience, Strength & Hope Sat 9am $508.98 Potrero Hill 12 x 12 M 630pm $118.68 They Don't Know Who We Are Sat 7pm $107.72

Extreme Makeover M 730pm $162.98 Progress Not Perfection Tu 830pm $272.00 Thursday Night Women's Th 630pm $512.70

Federal Speaker Su 12pm $140.05 $474.22 Raising the Bottom W 8pm $93.60 Too Early Sa 8am $602.98

Firefighters & Friends Tu 10am $425.35 Rebound W 830pm $122.34 Trudgers Discussion Su 7pm $140.50

Fireside Chat Group Sa 9pm $200.00 Rigorous Honesty Th 1205pm $72.00 $391.91 Tuesday Big Book Study Tu 6pm $252.44

Friday Night Women's Meeting F 630pm $139.00 Room to Grow F 8pm $80.00 Tuesday Downtown Tu 8pm $294.79

Friday Smokeless F 8pm $204.11 Saturday Afternoon Meditation Sa 5pm $346.80 Tuesday Night Lasses Step Study $376.20

Friendly Circle Beginners Su 715p $882.00 Saturday Beginners Sat 6pm $1,070.66 Tuesday Women's Tu 630pm $73.00

Gold Mine Group M 8pm $766.65 Saturday Easy Does It Sa 12pm $795.45 Twelve Steps to Happiness F 730pm $60.00

Grouch and the Brainstorm Thu 630pm $126.00 Saturday Night Regroup Sa 730pm $500.00 Valencia Smokefree F 6pm $115.00 $309.04

Grupo Central Th 10am $22.50 Say Hey Group T-F 6pm $430.48 Wake Up On 3rd St Group $124.20 $1,220.40

Haight Street Explorers Th 630pm $417.69 Serenity House $150.00 $1,500.00 Walk of Shame W 830pm $262.80

Happy Hour F 630pm $100.00 Serenity Now Tue 830p $192.00 We Care Tu 12pm $72.00 $422.32

Henry Ohloff House $99.45 Serenity Seekers M 730pm $2,742.66 Wednesday Noon Step Study 12p $120.00

High Noon Friday 1215pm $294.56 Sex and Love in Sobriety M 3pm $66.78 $277.73 Wednesday Noon Steps W 12pm $60.00 $247.00

High Noon Saturday 1215pm $369.79 Shamrocks & Serenity M 730pm $1,071.73 Weekend Update Su 615pm $153.15

High Noon Thursday 1215pm $431.60 Sinbar Su 8pm $298.26 $498.03 Weekend Worker Sat 7am $240.00

High Noon Wednesday 1215pm $431.60 Sisters Circle Su 6pm $353.40 West Portal W 8pm $807.10

High Sobriety M 8pm $202.81 Sober Saturday Sa 830am $139.20 $647.20 Wharf Rats Th 815pm $383.00

Huntington Square W 630pm $217.43 Sobriety & Beyond W 730pm $214.75 $214.75 What It's Like Now M 6pm $165.00

If You Work It - Thu 630pm $79.83 Sobriety & Miracles S&M Group Sa 5pm $267.60 Wits End Step Study Tu 8pm $91.00

It Takes A Village Sa 6pm $170.78 $342.78 Sometimes Slowly Sa 11am $1,988.74 Women's 10 Years Plus Th 615pm $934.07

Join the Tribe Tu 7pm $310.00 Speaker Discussion F 1pm $30.00 Women's Came to Believe Sa 10am $154.25 $582.82

Keep Coming Back Sa 10am $227.45 $833.74 Spiritual Awakenings Step Study M 730pm $75.00 Women's Kitchen Table Tu 630pm $69.60

Let It Be Now F 6pm $84.00 St. Francis Lutheran Church -$185.40 Women's Meeting There is a Solution W 6pm $246.69 $555.97

Like A Prayer Su 4pm $108.59 Step Talk Su 830am $233.00 Women's Promises F 7pm $461.68

Lincoln Park Sat 830pm $81.50 $382.73 Steppin' Up Tu 630pm $331.20 Work In Progress Sa 7pm $882.40

Living Sober W 8pm $29.91 Stepping Stone Step Study M 730pm $42.66 YAHOO Step Sa 1130am $479.92

Living Sober with HIV W 6pm $137.31 Stonestown M 8pm $150.00 San Francisco Total $5,288.72 $87,206.89

Lush Lounge Sa 2pm $29.25 Sunday Bookworms Su 730pm $222.29

Meditation, Prayer & Share Tue 730pm $129.00 Sunday Morning Gay Men's Stag Su 930am $632.40 YTD $11,872.96 $143,331.60

Meeting Place Noon F 12pm $606.88 Sunday Night 3rd Step Group 5pm $548.22

Mellow Mission Sunrise M 7am $164.00 Sunday Night Castro Speaker Disc Su 730pm $1,723.34

Men's Gentle Touch M 7pm $220.20 Sunday Rap Su 8pm $292.68

Mid-Morning Support Su 1030am $196.80 $671.09 Sunday Silence Su 730pm $320.00 $804.00

December 2017 The Point | 17 Revenue and Expense Statement: September 2017

TOTAL TOTAL Sept 2017 Budget Jan - Sept 17 Budget Sept 2017 Budget Jan - Sept 17 Budget

Revenue Contributions from Groups $ 9,346 $ 11,000 $ 131,861 $ 125,500 Rent - Office $ 4,458 $ 4,458 $ 40,124 $ 40,124 Contributions from Individuals $ 2,221 $ 4,000 $ 35,087 $ 34,000 Rent - Other $ - $ - $ 995 $ 945 Gratitude Month $ - $ - $ 4,057 $ 4,000 Filing/Fees $ - $ - $ 476 $ 500 Intergroup Event Revenue $ - $ 120 $ 12,114 $ 8,500 Insurance $ - $ - $ 2,485 $ 2,500 Other Revenue $ 35 $ 47 $ 1,175 $ 375 Internet Expense $ 117 $ 150 $ 1,472 $ 1,350 IT Services $ - $ 200 $ - $ 1,400 Sales - Bookstore $ 8,240 $ 7,328 $ 70,037 $ 65,952 IT Hardware $ - $ 100 $ - $ 300 Cost of Bookstore Sales $ (7,033) $ (5,994) $ (56,815) $ (53,946) IT Software $ 31 $ 15 $ 207 $ 740 Gross Margin - Bookstore $ 1,207 $ 1,334 $ 13,222 $ 12,006 Office Supplies $ 90 $ 120 $ 1,922 $ 1,080 Paper Purchased $ - $ 125 $ 939 $ 1,125 Total Revenue $ 12,808 $ 16,501 $ 197,516 $ 184,381 Printing $ - $ - $ - $ - Equipment Lease $ 407 $ 408 $ 4,073 $ 3,672 Expense Repair & Maintenance $ 436 $ 340 $ 3,589 $ 2,460 Employee Expenses $ 14,325 $ 14,722 $ 118,627 $ 124,292 Security System $ 144 $ 100 $ 426 $ 900 Payroll Expenses $ 10 $ 10 $ 65 $ 90 Committees Telephone $ 138 $ 200 $ 1,544 $ 1,800 PI/CPC $ - $ 150 $ 255 $ 550 Phone Book Listings $ 93 $ 93 $ 837 $ 837 Access Committee $ - $ - $ - $ 300 Travel $ 1,367 $ - $ 1,367 $ - Sunshine Club $ 52 $ - $ 52 $ 75 Training $ 420 $ 200 $ 489 $ 400 Archives Committee $ - $ - $ 97 $ 30 Bad Checks $ - $ - $ - $ - Committees - Other $ - $ 30 $ - $ 270 Miscellaneous Expense $ - $ - $ - $ - Total Committees $ 52 $ 180 $ 404 $ 1,225 Total Expense $ 22,138 $ 21,476 $ 190,839 $ 199,915 Net Operating Surplus/(Deficit) $ (9,330) $ (4,975) $ 6,676 $ (15,534) Intergroup Sponsored Events $ - $ - $ 8,527 $ 11,800 Interest Income $ 43 $ 45 $ 389 $ 405 Depreciation/Amortization Expense $ (348) $ (348) $ (3,132) $ (3,132) Professional Fees $ - $ - $ 1,663 $ 1,500 Net Surplus/(Deficit) $ (9,635) $ (5,278) $ 3,933 $ (18,261) Postage $ 49 $ 55 $ 607 $ 875 Treasurer’s Report: September 2017

For September 2017, Total Revenue The rating for September 2017 is GOOD: We are meeting our budget. was $12,808, under budget by “Excellent”. Our income for the month, or for the $3,693. This was mainly due to OVERALL RATING: Excellent YTD, was slightly greater than our group contributions and individual expenses and we’d have approximately contributions being under budget by Intergroup Finance Rating System 1.5 ― 2 months of operating expenses $1,654 and $1,180, respectively. Total Every month we rate our monthly in unrestricted cash balances. Operating Expense for September finances as “Excellent,” “Good,” “Fair” FAIR: We are not meeting our budget. was $22,138, over budget by $662. or “Poor.” Generally speaking, here Our expenses were greater than our The result is a Net Operating Deficit are the definitions of those terms: income for the month and for the YTD of $9,635. Net Surplus year to date is EXCELLENT: We exceeded our and our unrestricted cash balance $3,933 over budget by $22,254. budget. Our income was greater than would be somewhere between 1 and Group Contributions for September our expenses for the month and we 1.5x our operating expenses. were $9,346, under budget by $1,165. have more than two months’ worth POOR: We are not meeting our budget Individual Contributions were $2,221, of operating expenses in unrestricted and our unrestricted cash balances under budget by $1,780. cash balances. Operating expenses are fell below one month of operating Total Unrestricted Cash for September roughly $22K/month, so we’d have over expenses. The last time we were 2017 was $69,299, a decrease of $9,726 $44K in unrestricted cash balances for “poor” was in September 2016. from August 2017. Unrestricted Cash is the month. The Intergroup rating has over three months of operating expenses. been “excellent” since December 2016.

18 | The Point December 2017 Balance Sheet: September 2017

30-Sep-17 31-Aug-17 $ Change 30-Sep-16 $ Change ASSETS Current Assets Cash Unrestricted Cash $69,299 $79,025 ($9,726) $32,271 $37,028 Restricted Cash $125,232 $125,232 $0 $131,778 ($6,546) Total Cash $194,531 $204,257 ($9,726) $164,049 $30,482 Faithful Fivers are A.A. members Who Accounts Receivable ($736) $177 ($913) $7 ($743) graciously pledge to contribute at least $5 Inventory - Bookstore $24,131 $23,025 $1,106 $28,854 ($4,723) each month toward the support of Central Total Current Assets $217,926 $227,459 ($9,533) $192,910 $25,016 Fixed Assets $11,906 $12,254 ($348) $16,224 ($4,318) Office. Faithful Fiver contributions go a Deposits $6,698 $6,698 $0 $6,698 $0 long way in helping make our vital services TOTAL ASSETS $236,530 $246,411 ($9,881) $215,832 $20,698 possible. We thank the following members: LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Liabilities Current Liabilities (Continued from Page 5) Accounts Payable $862 $1,018 ($156) $0 $862 Payroll Tax Liabilities $2,782 $2,679 $103 $4,007 ($1,225) Norine T. Robert W. Steve F. Pam K. Ron H. Steven G. Sales Tax Payable $577 $771 ($194) $659 ($82) Pat P. Roseanna H. Susan C. Total Current Liabilities $4,221 $4,467 ($246) $4,666 ($445) Patrick S. Ryan D. Suzanne C. Total Liabilities $4,221 $4,467 ($246) $4,666 ($445) Patrick R. Sara H. Teddy W. Paul K. Scott C. Theresa M. Net Assets Peggy H. Sean B. Theresa M. $228,376 Net Assets, Beginning of Year $228,376 $0 $199,894 $28,482 Penelope P. Sean C. Thomas H. Net Surplus/(Deficit), YTD $3,933 $13,568 ($9,635) $12,475 ($8,542) Penelope C. & Sean M. Thomas M. Total Net Assets $232,309 $241,944 ($9,635) $212,369 $19,940 Robert S. Jr. Sean R. Tom S. TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $236,530 $246,411 ($9,881) $217,035 $19,495 Peter F. Sheila H. Tom P. Phyllis S. Stephen S. Tomas L. Rachel G. Stephen S. Tony R. Randall S. Steve A. Tripp Mc. Sometimes Quickly If you would like to become a Faithful Fiver, please download a pledge form from our website. You He was a secret drinker will receive a complimentary subscription to by Bob S. the touchdown, but it was Ebby who The Point. And remember, individual handed him the ball.” Bill W. was about contributions are 100% tax deductible! Ebby T. was in deep trouble! He had three days sober at Towns Hospital been arrested for running his car into when he “became willing to have my the side of a lady’s house in Manches- new found Friend take them away, ter, Vermont (and had the nerve to ask root and branch.” This process became her to bring him some coffee). She in- Step Seven when he wrote the Big stead called the constable. He faced six Book four years later. months in either prison or the asylum. Bill W. made the Ebby handed him the ball touchdown He never drank again. At Calvary Mis- sion, he helped other drunken sots find Though not religious, Ebby prayed in sobriety. Dr. Bob, arriving home from desperation: “I really mean this, I want a drunken spree, admitted he was a to quit this drinking.” He then had a secret drinker and became willing to go sudden release that lasted two years, to any lengths. Although his obsession enough time for him to carry a sobriety to drink hung on for over two years, message to Bill W. Clarence S., founder he never drank again. This sequence of of Cleveland A.A., noted: “Bill W. made events allowed A.A. to start when it did.

December 2017 The Point | 19 December 2017

20 | The Point December 2017